The Canadian dollar is trading sideways in the Friday session, after posting strong gains in the Thursday session. Currently, USD/CAD is trading at 1.2924, up 0.13% on the day. On the release front, Canada releases key consumer data: CPI, which had been expected to post a rare decline, and Retail Sales, which had been forecasted to rebound and record a gain of 0.6%. There are no major releases out of the U.S.
The U.S. dollar is broadly lower this week, and the Canadian dollar has jumped on the bandwagon, posting gains of close to 1%. On Thursday, the pair dropped to 1.2884, its lowest level since June 11. However, the Canadian currency’s gains have been pared due to pressure on oil prices. If this continues, the Canadian dollar could surrender some of its recent gains.
The U.S.-China trade war is heating up, with the two economic giants exchanging tariffs this week. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced 10% tariffs on some $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. China quickly responded, slapping 10% tariffs on $60 billion in U.S. exports. These tit-for-tit tariffs have become a familiar script, only this time investors haven’t panicked and snapped up U.S. dollars. Investors are somewhat relieved that the tariffs are just 10%, and China is taking measures to reduce the effect of the tariffs on its economy, including increasing stimulus and infrastructure spending. Global growth remains strong, despite the tariff spat. However, China has also threatened to cancel upcoming trade talks with the U.S., in protest of the recent U.S. tariff.
USD/CAD Fundamentals
Friday (September 21)
- 8:30 Canadian CPI. Estimate -0.1%
- 8:30 Canadian Retail Sales. Estimate 0.6%
- 9:45 US Flash Manufacturing PMI. Estimate 55.1
- 9:45 US Flash Services PMI. Estimate 54.9
*All release times are DST
*Key events are in bold
USD/CAD for Friday, September 21, 2018
USD/CAD, September 21 at 7:50 DST
Open: 1.2905 High: 1.2919 Low: 1.2898 Close: 1.2924
USD/CAD Technical
| S3 | S2 | S1 | R1 | R2 | R3 |
| 1.2515 | 1.2666 | 1.2830 | 1.2970 | 1.3067 | 1.3160 |
USD/CAD showed little movement in the Asian session and posted small gains in European trade
- 1.2830 is providing support
- 1.2970 is the next resistance line
- Current range: 1.2830 to 1.2970
Further levels in both directions:
- Below: 1.2830, 1.2666 and 1.2515
- Above: 1.2970, 1.3067, 1.3160 and 1.3292
This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.